Our team
Shad joined Thrivent as an intern in 1999 and continued with the organization upon graduating from Moorhead State University in 2000. He is truly passionate about educating and empowering clients to take control of their financial future. Shad has found immense joy in helping others achieve financial clarity, and he finds his career to be both professionally and personally gratifying.
Shad and his wife, Heidi, married in 1998 and they have two sons, Grant and Gavin who are both in college. His family has adopted three rescue dogs: Sig, Storm, and Aspen that bring them so much joy. When not working, Shad enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time at the lake with his family. When the lakes have frozen you can find Shad snowmobiling or with his family at one of the many local hockey arenas.
About Shad Connor
Shad joined Thrivent as an intern in 1999 and continued with the organization upon graduating from Moorhead State University in 2000. He is truly passionate about educating and empowering clients to take control of their financial future. Shad has found immense joy in helping others achieve financial clarity, and he finds his career to be both professionally and personally gratifying.
Shad and his wife, Heidi, married in 1998 and they have two sons, Grant and Gavin who are both in college. His family has adopted three rescue dogs: Sig, Storm, and Aspen that bring them so much joy. When not working, Shad enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time at the lake with his family. When the lakes have frozen you can find Shad snowmobiling or with his family at one of the many local hockey arenas.
Todd joined Thrivent in 2011 and is glad to work for a company that gives back to the communities it serves. He enjoys helping clients make sense of the stock market and understands the investing world can seem chaotic at times. Todd knows your goals can and will change over time, and life will throw you curveballs. He is here to help you filter the noise and develop a financial plan that is flexible and helps you reach your goals.
Before joining Thrivent, Todd graduated from North Dakota State University and then worked in logistics for six years at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota.
Todd and his wonderful wife, Heather, have been married since 2006. They are blessed with two children, Ian and Alison. He has been coaching baseball and flag football teams since 2019. When Todd is not busy with the kids’ sports, he can usually be found outdoors. He loves fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, snowboarding and watching baseball. He and his family are members of Lutheran Church of the Cross in West Fargo.
About Todd Schaffer
Todd joined Thrivent in 2011 and is glad to work for a company that gives back to the communities it serves. He enjoys helping clients make sense of the stock market and understands the investing world can seem chaotic at times. Todd knows your goals can and will change over time, and life will throw you curveballs. He is here to help you filter the noise and develop a financial plan that is flexible and helps you reach your goals.
Before joining Thrivent, Todd graduated from North Dakota State University and then worked in logistics for six years at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota.
Todd and his wonderful wife, Heather, have been married since 2006. They are blessed with two children, Ian and Alison. He has been coaching baseball and flag football teams since 2019. When Todd is not busy with the kids’ sports, he can usually be found outdoors. He loves fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, snowboarding and watching baseball. He and his family are members of Lutheran Church of the Cross in West Fargo.
Grant joined Thrivent in April 2025 after graduating from Minnesota State with a Degree in Business.He currently specializes in insurance solutions and is working towards earning his securities licensing.
Outside of work, you can find Grant riding his motorcycle, trap shooting, hunting, and spending time outdoors with his dog, Sig. He enjoys the freedom of the open road, the challenge of the range, and the peace of nature—always looking for ways to balance hard work with adventure.
About Grant Connor
Grant joined Thrivent in April 2025 after graduating from Minnesota State with a Degree in Business.He currently specializes in insurance solutions and is working towards earning his securities licensing.
Outside of work, you can find Grant riding his motorcycle, trap shooting, hunting, and spending time outdoors with his dog, Sig. He enjoys the freedom of the open road, the challenge of the range, and the peace of nature—always looking for ways to balance hard work with adventure.
Heidi joined her husband, Shad, at Thrivent in 2003 after working in the dental field for several years. Volunteering is a huge passion of hers because it gives a sense of purpose and brings immense joy. Shad often jokes that she is a professional volunteer because she attends community events and ends up volunteering at them.
Heidi and her husband, Shad, married in 1998 and they are blessed with two sons, Grant and Gavin. Their boys have provided unlimited opportunities to watch and coach all the sports they have participated in over the years, primarily hockey and trap shooting. Their family has four dogs, three of which were adopted from Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.
In her free time, you can find Heidi with a paintbrush or power tool in her hand. She loves to remodel, build, and construct things. She shares her dad’s passion for “getting her hands dirty.” If Heidi’s not building or creating, she is sharing décor and styling ideas on social media.
About Heidi Connor
Heidi joined her husband, Shad, at Thrivent in 2003 after working in the dental field for several years. Volunteering is a huge passion of hers because it gives a sense of purpose and brings immense joy. Shad often jokes that she is a professional volunteer because she attends community events and ends up volunteering at them.
Heidi and her husband, Shad, married in 1998 and they are blessed with two sons, Grant and Gavin. Their boys have provided unlimited opportunities to watch and coach all the sports they have participated in over the years, primarily hockey and trap shooting. Their family has four dogs, three of which were adopted from Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.
In her free time, you can find Heidi with a paintbrush or power tool in her hand. She loves to remodel, build, and construct things. She shares her dad’s passion for “getting her hands dirty.” If Heidi’s not building or creating, she is sharing décor and styling ideas on social media.
Ciarra Hanson joined the Thrivent team in November 2025 as an Office Professional, bringing a strong foundation in customer service and administrative support. Her previous experience at Scheels All Sports, where she worked in the hunting department, helped her develop a deep understanding of client needs and a hands-on approach to service.
She is currently working toward her life and health insurance license, driven by a desire to grow professionally and support clients more effectively. Ciarra is also passionate about giving back and enjoys participating in community volunteer efforts.
Outside of work, Ciarra loves spending time outdoors—whether its hiking, hunting, or exploring new places. She’s an avid traveler, a true crime podcast enthusiast, and enjoys quality time with her family and friends. If you're planning a trip to the North Shore of Minnesota, she’s always happy to share her favorite spots and tips!
About Ciarra Hanson
Ciarra Hanson joined the Thrivent team in November 2025 as an Office Professional, bringing a strong foundation in customer service and administrative support. Her previous experience at Scheels All Sports, where she worked in the hunting department, helped her develop a deep understanding of client needs and a hands-on approach to service.
She is currently working toward her life and health insurance license, driven by a desire to grow professionally and support clients more effectively. Ciarra is also passionate about giving back and enjoys participating in community volunteer efforts.
Outside of work, Ciarra loves spending time outdoors—whether its hiking, hunting, or exploring new places. She’s an avid traveler, a true crime podcast enthusiast, and enjoys quality time with her family and friends. If you're planning a trip to the North Shore of Minnesota, she’s always happy to share her favorite spots and tips!